rational function

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. a function that can be written as the quotient of two polynomials with integral coefficients.

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Etymology

Origin of rational function

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

To evaluate the limits at infinity for a rational function, we divide the numerator and denominator by the highest power of x appearing in the denominator.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Figure 4.54 The graph of this rational function approaches the horizontal asymptote y = 0 as x → ±∞.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

This is not always true, but it does hold for all polynomials for any choice of a and for all rational functions at all values of a for which the rational function is defined.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Partial fraction decomposition is a technique used to break down a rational function into a sum of simple rational functions that can be integrated using previously learned techniques.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

By a rational function of quantities p, q, r, ... is meant a function formed from them and any of the fundamental rational quantities by a finite number of the five fundamental operations.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various